Kumbaya (Samaj Pragati Sahayog)

Kumbaya is the brand name for machine-stitched ready-to-wear garments, home linen and accessories made by women from one of the most remote, backward and poor regions of India. The unique significance of Kumbaya is that in a predominantly agrarian region where there have been no traditional marketable crafts, Kumbaya has empowered women by creating livelihoods through the dynamic skill of garment fabrication. Today over 700 women in 60 villages have learnt stitching. Kumbaya guarantees work and a market to producers for 300 days a year and makes a range of products designed to market specifications and international trends. We have been able to design a successful range of marketable products that are easy for the women to make, provide them with high wages, are reasonably priced and are constantly in demand. The emphasis is on developing well designed products which incorporate good quality fabric and finishing and on patchwork designs.